We know that researchers periodically need access to different datasets for analysis purposes, but accessing that data might sometimes be challenging especially if data is sensitive. Therefore, it is good to know where and how to search for datasets.

The Irish Social Science Data Archive (ISSDA), based in the University College Dublin (UCD) library is a centre for quantitative data acquisition, preservation, and dissemination. It provides a broad access to Irish quantitative datasets for different studies. To name a few- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Growing Up in Ireland (GIU), SPHERE and many more.

These datasets are available in different formats, but most of them have at least a STATA, SAS or SPSS version. A full list of datasets can be obtained through the link below:

https://www.ucd.ie/issda/data/

You would need to identify the dataset of interest and make sure that the required format exists on the website.

Datasets can be used for either research or teaching purposes, and each has a different application form that can be found on the above address. Once the application form is completed it should be sent to: issda@ucd.ie.

Datasets will be distributed via an online download service, called FileSender. The datasets are password protected and encrypted, and require either the following software, PKWARE (Windows only) zip reader or Keka (Mac), to decrypt the file. Further instructions will be sent with each dataset.

Finally, if you have any problem with accessing datasets or requesting them, you can send an email to: issda@ucd.ie or please contact the HRI Biostatistician.